A Blairy message from the PM

In the now-you-see-them-now-you-don't world of the Blair children, the Prime Minister's Christmas card has always been a subject of festive photosensitivity.

This year, it seems more sensitive than most.

Last night it was revealed that Tony and Cherie sent out two sorts of card this year - one with the children in, and one without - as they struggled to follow their doctrine that their offspring's privacy must be maintained at all costs.

(Except, of course, in the case of glamorous film premieres or the State Opening of Parliament, when eldest son Euan and his girlfriend stepped into the spotlight).

The first card was sent to friends and paid for by the Blairs. The second had a wider audience and was paid for by the taxpayer. Last year's tally was 1,260 cards and a bill for £267.

Downing Street said the photographs for both cards were shot at the Prime Minister's country retreat of Chequers in Buckinghamshire.

The photographer was Zoe Norfolk, a friend of Sir Paul McCartney's daughter Mary who took the official Christmas snaps three years ago when the children were included. In this year's official card, Mr Blair stands in a stone archway with his left arm protectively around his wife's shoulders.

His right thumb, hidden by his zip-up woolly pully, is hitched into his trouser pocket.

In the unofficial card, the Premier maintains his outfit - and his attentive, if somewhat tired looking expression - as he perches uncomfortably on the edge of a bench.

Mrs Blair, meanwhile, has taken off her checked coat to reveal a striped blouse as she grasps the hands of daughter Kathryn, 15. Kathryn, pink bows on her shoes, manages a much warmer smile than her parents, as do her brothers Nicky, 18, and Euan, 19.

It is only a five-seater bench so Leo, three, has to snuggle up in his trendy jacket between Euan's be-jeaned knees.

In the past, the Blairs have been accused of using their children when it suited them. Since they moved into Downing Street in 1997, every Christmas card except one - in 1999 - has featured the children.